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Trump’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.